New Douglas County School Board directors plotted to oust superintendent, fellow directors say

Douglas County School District Superintendent Corey Wise listens to public comment at a Douglas County school board meeting. (Jessica Gibbs/Colorado Community Media)
Three board members also allege open meeting law violations

Three Douglas County School Board members are alleging the four new board directors gave the superintendent an ultimatum — resign or be fired — without formal board approval and without the full board’s knowledge.

Directors David Ray, Susan Meek and Elizabeth Hanson made the allegations at a Jan. 31 meeting, where they also discussed concerns that the four other directors violated public meeting laws and board policies by agreeing in secret conversations to take formal action against the superintendent.

Ray, Meek and Hanson were the only board directors who participated in the Jan. 31 gathering, of which public notice was posted. Ray said at least 1,300 people viewed the meeting, which was held remotely.

Ray said the three are “genuinely concerned that we’ve got a board that’s off the rails in terms of following not only the law” but multiple board policies.

“Our superintendent should never be blindsided with us saying that you’re not performing well,” Ray said.

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The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported, nonpartisan news organization dedicated to covering Colorado issues. To learn more, go to coloradosun.com. This story first appeared in a Colorado Community Media newspaper. The Colorado Sun is an owner of CCM.